Christ United Methodist Church

The Flame

December, 2017 Christ United Methodist Church

A Christmas Devotion By Rev. Deanna Mede

When he came to his hometown, he taught the people in their humiliation, Joseph remains compassionate and plans to synagogue. They were surprised and said, quietly set Mary aside rather than calling for her death “Where did he get this wisdom? Where did he get the power to which was his right by Holy law. work miracles? Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? Later that night when Joseph is visited by the Isn’t his mother named Mary?” angel Gabriel telling him of the miraculous conception (Matthew 13: 54-55) and future messiah that God wants him to raise, Joseph doesn’t hesitate, or test the messenger or God. Instead, As I sit to write this Christmas devotion, I am he wakes from the dream and immediately makes plans moved to remember all of the “Josephs” in our Christian to bring his family together. (Mt. 1: 19-21). No one faith and in our lives. Those who knew of his conversation with the love and work selflessly and tireless- angel. Joseph made no great public ly to enable the work of the church Joseph, the man who spoke to proclamations of a prophetic message in our community and in the world, angels and raised the messiah, or his new role in God’s kingdom. as well as those who love and work never once bragged about either. Instead he quietly faced down those tirelessly and selflessly in our fami- Instead, he worked hard, cared for who weren’t kind to Mary and read- lies, supporting and loving members his family, loved God and his ied his family for a trip to Bethlehem. towards a better life. neighbor, and passed quietly from Once there this recently single man Joseph, the adopted father of this life, secure in the knowledge helped his young wife bring a new Jesus, is a man of very few words. that Jesus Christ would care for us life into the world. Other than the birth narratives in in this life and life eternal. Joseph’s words may not have Matthew and Luke, he is only men- been written in the Gospels, but the tioned in relation to Jesus a handful lessons he taught Jesus were. We of times throughout the rest of the see Joseph’s love of God’s Law and God’s compassion Gospels, except for Mark, where he isn’t mentioned at when Jesus speaks to the woman about to be stoned. all. This man who saved both Mary and Jesus’ lives Jesus doesn’t jump to conclusions like the crowd does. leaves this world as quietly as he entered it. He gives the crowd time to remember they too are sin- So, what is there to admire about a man who is ners and then he tells the woman that he doesn’t con- largely ignored by history and The Bible? Everything. demn her and to “sin no more” (John 8: 1-11). We can The story of Joseph is the story of a good and righteous picture Joseph’s life of quiet faith, as Jesus describes man who loves God and his neighbor. He cares about what a life of devotion should be like: praying in secret, the laws of God, but refuses to be legalistic, without com- giving in secret, not being showy in your devotion (Mt passion. We know this from the story of Jesus’ concep- 6). Joseph, the man who spoke to angels and raised the tion. Joseph is betrothed to Mary when word is brought messiah, never once bragged about either. Instead, he to Joseph that Mary is back from her visit to her cousin worked hard, cared for his family, loved God and his Elizabeth and she is obviously pregnant. Most likely the neighbor, and passed quietly from this life, secure in the bearer of the news assumed the couple had anticipated knowledge that Jesus Christ would care for us in this life their vows; instead Joseph denies paternity. Yet even and life eternal. beset by heartbreak and, one would assume, Merry Christmas! Page 2 A Word from the Senior Pastor

Journey with Jane

This worldly diapers changed. He was profoundly human—and yet, “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have when the Wise Men arrived from the East, they sensed seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace that divinity in him, so that they gave their gifts and they and truth” (John 1:14, NRSV). worshiped. Not only did they worship, but they went home by another way—this encounter with the baby Jesus changed them. In the Advent season, we are reminded of a truth that I find profoundly hopeful—that God chose to enter this When Jesus grew up and began his public ministry, he world, and that God loves this world too much to leave it taught about the Kingdom of God by pointing to ele- as it is. ments of people’s daily lives—a mustard seed, the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, a farmer scattering seeds, Sometimes Christianity is portrayed as an otherworldly fishing for fish and for people. Jesus came to redeem this religion—as if we are not rooted in our daily lives, as if world and to invite us into the next. The Revelation to the only thing we care about is going to heaven after we John shows us that, in the fullness of time, God’s home die. Certainly, we want to live eter- will be among mortals; God will nally with God in heaven; but why dwell with us, and we will be God’s would we want that if we hadn’t peoples, and God himself will be already lived with God on this with us (Rev. 21:3). earth? Christianity is not escapism –something to placate us until we As Jesus’ followers, we are called to can get away from here. Nor is carry out his ministry of redeeming Christianity a death cult—focused the world. Just like Jesus, we are so much on heaven that we fail to called to teach in his name, to feed do our part in serving Christ in this the hungry, to welcome the outcast, life. to heal the sick and brokenhearted, and to set free those who are op- Instead, Christianity is this-worldly, pressed. And we are empowered to in the sense that God chose to enter participate in these ministries this world. Out of profound love, The Gospel of John through the gift of the Holy Spirit. tells us, the Father sent the Son into the world. God took on human flesh, in the form of Jesus of Nazareth, who This Christmas, may we stop and marvel at what God was both fully human and fully divine. It is a lot for us to does in this life, starting with the birth of a baby— take in—this man who was simultaneously of heaven and vulnerable in the flesh and powerful in the Spirit—come of earth. Jesus’ life, though, made it clear that he came to to set the world free from sin and death. Thanks be to set us free in this life, so that we may carry that freedom God! into an eternal life with God after our deaths. Wishing you Christ’s peace in this Advent and Christmas And so God came to us in Jesus, born of a human mother, season, nurtured by a human father. Jesus was born in a humble Jane stable, surrounded by animals. He did everything babies do—he nursed, he cried, he cooed, and yes, he needed his Page 3

Publication Schedule of The Flame for 2018

The Flame

Issue Deadline Date Stuffing/Mail Date January/February January 18 January 24 March February 22 February 28

April March 22 March 28 May April 19 April 25 June May 24 *May 31 July June 21 June 27 August July 19 July 25

September August 23 August 29 October September 20 September 26

November October 25 October 31 *Thursday mail dates due December Tues. November 20 *November 29 to holidays Welcome to Christ United Methodist Church!

Alpine Center Our Master’s Center (MAILING ADDRESS FOR 5973 Darlene Drive BOTH CENTERS): Rockford, Il 61109 4509 Highcrest Road Phone: (815)399-5910 Rockford, Il 61107 The Flame is a monthly publication of Phone: 815-399-5910 Sunday Worship Service Christ United Methodist Church, Office Hours: Monday—Friday 9:30 a.m. Child care is available available by mail or online at 8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m. www.christumc.cc. Rev. Jane Eesley, Sr. Pastor Editor—Linda Kuntz Sunday Worship Services Features Writers—Don Black, [email protected] Mark McGowan, Beth A. Palm, Blended Worship Services: Rev. Scott Himel, Assoc. Pastor Contributing Photographer— 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. [email protected] Joe Whinnery Celebration Service: Rev. Deanna Mede, Assoc. Pastor Director of Worship Arts—Jody 11:00 a.m. [email protected] Warren Director of Communications—Emily Muserallo Christ UMC Facebook Pages Christ United Methodist Church page https://www.facebook.com/cumcrockford Christ UMC Children’s and Family Ministries page Check out our website at: https://www.facebook.com/Christumcchildrensministry www.christumc.cc Christ UMC Student Ministries page https://www.facebook.com/studentministriescumc/ Page 4 United Methodist Women News

UMW Circle Schedule

The United Methodist Women invite all women of the church to their circle meetings. Visitors are welcome and encouraged! To learn more about each circle, contact Carla White-Carpenter at 815-885-3425 Some circles do not meet in the summer.

Out to Lunch Bunch Combined November/December meeting: Caravan Circle Thursday, December 7 at noon In December: at JMK Nippon The next meeting of Caravan Circle will meet on 2551 Perryville Rd. December 20, 2017 at 12:30 pm at the home of Jo Call for reservations by December 4 to Jeanne at Mohrmann, 6135 Fox Basin Road, Rockford, Ill 61108. 815-708-8042 or Colleen at 815-381-0803. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to pass. We will have a meeting, devotions, and good fellowship, plus good food. Priscilla Circle For more information, please call Deb Whinnery at 815- Priscilla Circle will be having our traditional lasagna 398-8973, or Geneve Harris at 574-612-9495. Visitors and & salad Christmas party on December 11 at 6:00 pm new members are always welcome. at the home of Barb Hansen, 1134 Brook Hill Cl. If you would like to join us for this fun evening, call In January: Deb Laskey for details at 815-979-8555. The Caravan Circle is United Methodist Women who go out into the community or else have speakers come talk to Rebekah Circle Dec. and Jan. meetings us about various agencies in the city of Rockford. We invite anyone to join us any month; you do not have to be a December 6 member of the circle. On Wed., Dec. 6, Rebekah Circle will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Alpine Dining Room to decorate the Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 our meeting will be at the po- room and a Christmas tree. Note the different time lice precinct at 557 S. New Town Drive from 10:00 to and place. Then we'll have devotions and share noon. This will be their monthly meeting to bring citizens lunch. Volunteers have already offered to bring the up-to-date on what is happening in our area of the city. food. New people are invited to come and help deco- Andrew Perino is our local police representative, both for rate and share the food and fellowship. We'll finish the Alpine Road area and for the Bell School area. There is by 1:00 pm. If you have a question, call Gennie a gated parking lot which we may park in. The circle will Schultz, 815-877-3405, or Mary English, go for lunch afterwards, place to be determined. If interest- 815-397-4883. ed in joining us, please contact Geneve Harris at 574-612- 9495 (local call) and let her know if you will be coming and January 10 if you are interested in joining us for lunch. Looking for- Rebekah Circle will start the new year with a ward to seeing you there! Pledge Service at 9:30 a.m. in the Alpine Dining Room on Wed., Jan. 10. This service includes mak- ing a personal pledge to the mission programs of Greeting Cards United Methodist Women beyond the local level. Greeting cards created by the women of CUMW will be on The pledge can be paid all at once or spread out over sale on in Alpine Fellowship Hall on December 10. This the year. Then we'll undecorate the room and Christ- is the only date they will be available this month. Sorry, mas tree and share a potluck lunch. New people are we don’t offer Christmas cards. invited to come for a delicious time. Want to sign up for the potluck? Call one of the circle leaders: Gennie Schultz, 815-877-3405, or Mary English, 815-397-4883. Jigsaw Puzzles; Church News Page 5

Jigsaw Puzzles

We now have jigsaw puzzles at Christ United Methodist Church … in the Alpine church library … ready to be put together! Last month on a Sunday afternoon about 10 members of the congregation brought more than 50 jigsaw puzzles for exchange. The meeting developed after Jody Warren and Don Black invited those interested to attend. The Warrens and Blacks, plus others, have been exchanging puzzles. Those attending took about 10 puzzles home, leaving about 40 in the library, located down the hall from the Alpine Dining Room. The sizes range from a couple hundred pieces to 5,000 pieces. Most of the puzzles are 500 or 1,000 pieces. Many of the jigsaw puzzles are works by Charles Wysocki, who paints 1800s scenes, mostly towns. People are invited to exchange one of their puzzles for one of those in the Alpine church library. However, one may be borrowed and returned after completion.

Volunteer Snow Plowers Needed Attention Snowbirds! We have several vacancies on the Christ UMC If anyone is planning to spend the winter in Volunteer Snow Plowing team. another location and would still like to receive your Preferred qualifications: mail from the church, please contact the church office Valid Driver’s License with the following information: Ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds 1. The address where you will be staying On-call availability 2. The starting and ending date that you wish to re- Able to receive text messages on phone ceive mail at the address. Contact the church office at 815-399-5910 or Please contact Tim Moore 815-520-3629 if you’re email [email protected] with this information. interested or have questions. Thank you for your assistance!

Northern Illinois Food Pantry volunteers are in need of plastic bags to pack with food

Some of these volunteers go to our church and ask for your help. Please bring plastic bags and put them in the Food Pantry cup- board in Fellowship Hall. They will be picked up each Sunday. Page 6 Fellowship News; Rainbow Covenant

Scrapbooking Group WOWS There is no scrapbooking in December. We will start Widows Or Widowers and Singles up fresh in the New Year on Saturday, January 20 from Open to all single women 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Alpine Dining Room. Stay for all day or just a half day - whatever fits your schedule. Not age 65 and over everyone in our group scrapbooks. Some are stamping or working on other projects so join us for a fun day of In December: crafting! If children will be joining us, it's requested We will meet on Wednesday, December 13 at 12:30 pm they be at least middle school age. As always, please at Hoffman House for lunch. Please let Peg Halpin know bring money for a sandwich plus a snack to share and if you want to join the WOWS on the 13th at 815-979- your own beverage. 3213. In January: Mark your calendar for February 17 and March 17, The WOWS After-Christmas Christmas Party will be on 2018 as well! Wednesday, January 10, at noon at Sophia’s in Roscoe. We’ll have a private room. Please call Peg Halpin at 815- For more information, call Mary Hicks at 815-742-1136. 979-3213 to sign up for this annual Christmas party. Re- member to bring a white elephant gift for the exchange.

Good Grief Support Group CUMC Senior Fellowship Group Nest meeting: Thursday, January 25, 2018 Friday, December 15, at noon, 5:00-7:00 pm, Alpine Coffee House Alpine Center Dining Room Come and join this group for seniors for a won- Good Grief is a grief support group for anyone who has derful homemade lunch and fellowship with your friends. lost a loved one. No sign-ups necessary; just come as After lunch, we’ll have a Christmas party with music by you can. Other dates will be set at the January Risë’ Barker, Sherrill Muller, and Rev. Scott Himel. meeting. For more information, please call Pastor Dee There will be a chance to sing some Christmas carols, too. Mede at the church office, 815-399-5910. You won’t want to miss this joyous event. Please call the church office at 815-399-5910 to make your reservation by December 11.

Coins for Rainbow Covenant giving in December Our coins for Rainbow Covenant mission giving each Sunday in December will go to Clara Mridula Biswas, who is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  She serves as a community worker at Street Children Ministry.  Children make up half the population of Cambodia.  Works to offer better nutrition, education and Christian guidance to children.  Protects children from being trafficked.  Biswas says support from those in the UMC is crucial to the ministry’s work. Church Conference; Blue Christmas Service; Advent Study Page 7

2017 Annual Church Conference Sunday, December 3, 2:00 pm in the Dining Room, Alpine Center Please mark your calendar for this important annual meeting, presided over by our District Superintendent, Rev. Lisa Kruse-Safford.

The conference will provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look ahead to next year. All members are encouraged to attend. Blue Christmas Service Monday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m., Alpine Center Sanctuary This service will be for anyone who is depressed, Notes About the lonely or grieving any kind of loss in life: divorce, Christmas Holidays loss of job, or any other type of loss, as well as the The church buildings and office will be loss of a loved one. Rev. Deanna Mede will give closed December 25—January 1 the message. Plan to be here for this comforting service of remembrance and hope. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, at 8:30 a.m. In an emergency, call the church number, 815-399-5910. You will be directed to an emergency contact. A staff member will be checking Volunteers Needed for Sound messages during the week. A pastor will be available in an emergency. and Media Team Can you volunteer for the Sound and Media Team at Alpine Center? The commitment would be two Special Note: services, one Sunday a month. No prior knowledge The church office will be open on Friday, is needed. Training will be provided. Please con- Dec 29, from 9:00 am—noon, to accept tact Patrick Lauher at [email protected] or contributions to the church Jody Warren at church at 815-399-5910 or to be credited to 2017. [email protected] for more information or to sign up. We thank you in advance for your con- sideration.

Advent Study—It’s Not Too Late to Join a Class! Faithful: Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph by Rev. Adam Hamilton

This is a 4 week study centering on Jesus’ adopted father. Joseph. The story of Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don’t understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Joseph’s story is not only the story of the first Christmas, but a story of being an adopted father, and a man of faith in a changing world. Pastor Dee will teach this class. Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm, beginning November 29, in the Alpine Dining Room; as well as on Friday mornings at 10:00 am, beginning December 1, at Our Master’s Center in the Meeting Room. Even if you didn’t sign up, come to a class and join us for this fascinating study! Page 8

Ruth Ann Kearney (continued from back page) when Norm was working at Ingersoll. “Norm loved history,” Ruth Ann said, so he taught at the Naval Academy, which was where Rock Valley Col- 2003. He has another son and a daughter. His son has lege started. given him a grandson; He continued working on degrees full time and was on Patty, a nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospi- Pastor Bill Cull’s staff part time, about 1968. tal, has three children, the youngest adopted. Her Several church members said they came to CUMC, be- daughter is a medical intern at Mayo Clinic and her cause of Norm. son is an atomic engineer; Ruth Ann never experienced being “a pastor’s wife.’ Danielle met her Syrian husband in college. She is a “I never had time to join anything,” she said, until she pharmacist and he owns a business near Fayetteville, retired in 1992. Norm also retired that year. He died in Ga. They have four children, with the three oldest 2001. ones in college. She did join Priscilla Circle of the United Methodist Ruth Ann taught her whole adult life, except for Women and participate in its activities, like helping in the those three years in Chicago, until retirement. soup kitchen. She especially loved teaching first or second grade, Every Sunday when members of the congregation sign “because of the importance of lay- sympathy and congratulation cards, ing a good foundation.” they might notice an envelope with “I felt like a mother to all of Ruth Ann’s name on it. Inside it are them,” she said. cards that she sends to UMW mem- Three children went to Guilford bers, with extra decorations and a per- High School and Mike went to sonal note. The church staff does the East. All of them attended college. addresses for her. Usually there’s two to six cards to send. But back to the beginning … She belongs to the church’s Out to Lunch Bunch, the Ruth Ann was raised in Wisconsin and came to WOWS group for widows and has participated in several Rockford as an 8-year-old. Bible and church study groups. Her father was a lawyer, who also later owned a Health issues have limited her involvement with the trucking company. Her mother started out as a teach- church the past few years. er and became an at-home Mom. Ruth Ann has many photographs, many plants, and two Her parents moved from Sturgeon Bay to Janesville, rescued pets, Brandy the dog and Little Bit the cat. then Rockford. “They keep me from traveling overnight,” she says. She had an older brother and a younger sister. All of “I wanted to be an artist,” Ruth Ann said about her free them were graduates of East High School. All three time now. She learned about painting at Burpee Art Gal- were in National Honor Society. And they all went to lery as a child and has painted “a number” of oil and acryl- college. ic pictures. Her father could afford to send her anywhere, so She enjoyed traveling, like to Lake St. Germaine in Wis- Ruth Ann went to Stevens College in Missouri and consin where the family used to go for summers. And she Peabody College in Nashville, the National School of has been abroad. Education. She received her degree in elementary Norm led travel tours for Rock Valley and she accompa- education in 1953. nied him to Europe and the British Isles. She also has “I went to Stevens because ‘they wanted me to have been to Hawaii and Mexico, plus several U.S. national Southern culture’,” she said. parks. Ruth Ann started as a Methodist, then her mother She also continues learning in Rock Valley College’s took her to the Christian Scientist church, and she Center for Learning in Retirement and enjoys reading later attended Westminster Presbyterian, before they mystery books. came here. “Oh, and Norm once ran for mayor (of Rockford),” she Before she met Norm, Ruth Ann enjoyed acting, mentioned, summing up her life, “but he lost.” from her junior high school days, and helped with the Imagine how much more exciting her life would have Jewish Community Center’s outside plays. A friend been had he been elected. was involved with the center introduced Norm to Ruth Ann. His wife had died two years previously,

The Flame Page 9

Jean Kearney

Jean first visited Christ United Methodist Church in her, but she is willing to try 1979 at the Easter service when she and her husband, it. Pastor Emery Percell asked Jeff, were dating. It was later, after they were married her to chair the Outreach and she was pregnant with Amanda that she distinctly Committee and she felt, “Oh remembers attending a Christmas Eve service when no, not me, how could I?” Yet, she suddenly felt “Oh my, this is what it’s about, this she did and said, “I met won- is home.” She has been coming to Christ UMC ever derful people who had servant since. She didn’t grow up in the church. Her mom and hearts, like Virg Wilson.” dad had great faith but they didn’t attend church. Later in life Jean attended churches of many different Jean feels that it is important faiths, but she said what she really appreciates about to try new things when asked. being Methodist is how we are involved in the com- She also said, “And I’ve failed munity. at a couple things, too! But with the support of others we Jean’s favorite way to live out her faith is through are able to serve”. “I didn’t see community outreach. Jean also finds her heart has a the model of serving in a church while I was growing up, place to serve with children. She is especially drawn to so I was hesitant at first.” the ways we help MELD, the organization the sup- ports young parents through education, support, and Jean’s father-in-law was the former Pastor Norm Kearney helping them become independent. She is a part of the who served Christ UMC during the 1970’s –1990’s and baby shower we hold each year for MELD to support her mother-in-law is Ruth Ann Kearney. Jean said that their programs. Currently, she has also accepted the Norm and Ruth Ann never pushed her or Jeff to be responsibility of coordinating the Outreach commit- involved in the church. They encouraged them, but never tee’s Project Undershare collection program. pressured them. They gave Jean a living faith example to follow. Jean mentioned that when her children Amanda and Emily were young, Pastor Bob Atkins’ wife, Marlene Jean added that the relationships through the years have asked her to teach Sunday school. Jean felt she wasn’t impacted her faith. “Seeing Barb and Harold Palm every qualified because she hadn’t grown up in the church. Sunday. Jeff always has to talk with Harold. People who Marlene encouraged her to do it. Jean did and found have come and gone, too. All the people who helped our she enjoyed it because of the children. She learned it kids grow up and develop their faith and participation in was a good experience for her. She also helped with the church. The extended church family, the family of God Kids Klub when it was on Wednesday nights when has grown my faith.” her children were growing up. By Beth Anne Palm Jean said that for her living out her faith comes from people asking her to try something. It may be new to

Christmas Cookie Walk

Saturday, December 9, 10:00 am—1:00 pm Alpine Center Dining Room Numbers will be given out starting at 9:30

All proceeds go to missions. Stop in on Dec. 9, listen to Christmas music, have a glass of punch, and buy a box of homemade Christmas cookies. Cost is $15 per box. Page 10 Getting to Know Hymn; Christmas Angel Project

“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” Latin Hymn (Fourteenth Century)

Good Christian men rejoice, Good Christian men, rejoice, As with “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” both With heart and soul and voice; With heart and soul and voice; text and music for this hymn go back many Give ye heed to what we say; Now ye need not fear the grave; centuries. In 1601, Bartholomaeus Gesius Jesus Christ is born today. Jesus Christ was born to save! adapted the previously existing music and Ox and ass before Him bow, Calls you one and calls you all, called it In Dulci Jubilo, which means “With He is in the manger now. To gain His everlasting hall. Sweet Shouting.” Later Bach arranged it for Christ is born today. Christ was born to save. the organ, and later still John Stainer did a Christ is born today! Christ was born to save! choral version. The words come from Latin but very early on the Germans were already Good Christian men, rejoice, translating it and adding thoughts. Many With heart and soul and voice; other language groups have freely adapted Now ye hear of endless bliss, this song for their own use. Though the Jesus Christ was born for this! Taken with permission from The One Year Great Songs great translator John Neale standardized the He hath opened the heavenly of Faith, hymn in English, it is truly a folk song with door, Tyndale House Publishers, 1995 many different forms and traditions. And man is blessed evermore. It is reported that in Bethlehem, Pennsyl- Christ was born for this. vania, in 1745 a gathering of Moravian mis- Christ was born for this! sionaries sang this song in thirteen different European and native American languages.

Christmas Angel Project Our Christmas Angel Project is here! We currently serve 6 community organizations, and we “gift” over 250 people. As you can imagine, this is quite an undertaking. We really need your help. What you can do:

 Pick up an Angel Tag on December 3. We ask that all gifts are returned with the Angel Tag attached by December 10.  Donate curling ribbon, gift boxes, tissue or medium size gift bags for those awkward sized presents. We have plenty of rolls of wrapping paper, tape, REALLY BIG gift bags and stick-on bows.  Come and wrap with us! We can’t have enough wrappers. We will wrap on an evening to accommodate those who work weekdays. Wrapping at CUMC at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 11 and at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12.

If you don’t like to shop, monetary donations are welcome. Make your check to CUMC and designate it for Christ- mas Angel Project in the memo line.

This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with fellow church members, share the holiday spirit, and make a positive impact on our community! If you have any questions, please call Teri Reynolds at 815-519-8374. Page 11

SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Save the Dates 8:00 a.m. Nursery Child Care is available in the Nursery Room for December Infants and Toddlers 3 SS/Heifer Christmas gift (every Sunday) No Sunday School at this worship hour 6 Family Advent Craft Night with dinner 10 Junior Worship –Chapel area 9:30 a.m. at Alpine Center 13 Last Wed. Night JAM (resumes on 1/10/18)  Infants and Toddlers: Nursery Room 16 Cantata Practice 9:00 am-Alpine Sanctuary  Preschool Class (ages 4 to kindergarten) - Christmas Caroling (1:00-5:00 pm) Room #7 17 Christmas Cantata/No Sunday School  1st Grade—3rd Grade—Room #1 18 Blue Christmas at 6:30 pm  4th Grade—5th Grade—Room #3 20 Rehearsals for Praise Kids/Joyful Noise

5:00-6:00 pm Every first Sunday of the month children will start 24 No Sunday School at 9:30 worship their class downstairs and will come up for Family Christmas Eve Service at 4:00 pm communion and return to their classroom. 31 No Sunday School—Last Heifer Christmas gift 9:30 a.m. Worship Hour OMC January  Infants: Nursery 7 Sunday School  Pre-School-Kindergarten: Nursery Room 28 Junior Worship  1st-5th Grade: Sunday School Room

Advent Family Craft Night 11:00 a.m. Worship Hour Alpine Center  Infants and Toddlers: Nursery Room Wednesday, December 6  Pre-School Ages 4 to Kindergarten: Room 7 5:30-7:30 pm  Grade1-5 Class: Room 1 Dinner in Fellowship Hall; Followed by crafts in Great Hall Note: Communion is every Sunday for the Families are encouraged to bring their children and children enjoy this event together. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm with Advent crafts immediately following. Please RSVP to Joy Hayag, Director of Children’s and Family Ministries, at [email protected]

Christmas Caroling Saturday, December 16 Meet at 1:00 pm in the Alpine Center East parking lot Join us for Christmas caroling to some of our nursing homes in Rockford. We’ll car pool and then come back to the Alpine Coffee Christ UMC Children’s House for pizza and hot and Family Ministries chocolate. Sign up now at [email protected] Page 12 Birthdays

December 10 December 20 December 29 Jim Beaumont Ian Anderson Jill Alms Erin Rydberg Carol Frey Patricia Flick Shelly Reid Mildred Hayag Meredith Nagles Nancy Hedberg December 11 Audrey Johnson December 30 Patsy Fields Karla Michalsen Jeff Bockhop Dylan Otwell Stephanie Morrison Pat Hagman Atticus Goethe Diane Wilson December 21 Nancy Winker December 12 Kelsey Cassaro December 1 Emmett Barkley Ida Johnson December 31 Sofia Berg Caleb Beard Mary McKay Teri Beam Tracey Hedberg Greg Klein Lisa Frey Linda Olson Brad Morrison December 22 Nicholas Greenland Petrea Plum Margaret Powell Shelley Gale Brenda Lurvey Jamie Watts Scot Price Clarissa Heaney Al Mowbray Jenny Ralston James Moore December 2 Doug Roegner Holly Sweeney Steve Brandon Jim Seigfreid Elsa Williams David Dunlap Kurt Stroup Danita Heaney Darcy Wilson December 23 Savannah Lundberg Joshua Hayag Judi Flodin Ryan Frey December 3 December 13 Whitney Malone Jessica Pink Beth Holmertz Thomas Olson Doug Shumaker Dave Wilson Donna Riha

December 4 December 14 December 24 Kathryn Clark Kaye Dinsmore Kari Cullen Don Cruden Pam Shumaker Hillary Deppe Erik Fetter Joyce Stewart Greg Finch Betty Lerch Carol Fleming December 15 December 5 Chris Crane December 25 Patti Dole Pete Earleywine Jane Mathews December 16 Mike Wallin Lindsey LaPour Michael Wilson December 6 Chris Powell Kristine Hayag Christian Reisetter December 26 Bobby Volz Kelly Gale December 7 Matt Young Mary Hicks Jason Auker Carolyn Knodle Ben Eilers December 17 Taylor Steffen Tom Peterson John Daniels Robin Roegner Brock Morlan December 27 Craig Rogers Jan Nowicki Sue Anderson Christian Widstrom Sharon Lowery December 8 Addyson Powell Ryan Blackburn December 18 Jessica Cooper Brent Blackburn December 28 Deena Lantz Deanna Murray Chelsea Collins Brian Klazura Jeff Wallin Emily Muserallo Abbey Wilson Nicholas Young Michael Groncki Mark Halverson December 9 December 19 Scott Johannes Taylor Mattingly Steve Robinson Sally Plath Ray Wood Art Webb Joy Hayag Anniversaries; The Church is People; Christmas Cantatas Page 13

The Church is People

December 2 December 18 Steve and Rebecca Bruesewitz Bienvenido and Mila Hayag Sympathy to: Tim and Abbi Edwards Dennis and Christine Riemer on the death of December 19 Christine’s mother, Sue Hoffman, who died on December 3 Brock and Brittany Morlan November 7 Lee and Mary Kay Johnson December 20 Steve and Sherry Brandon on the death of their December 4 Laura and Steve Cooper Alan and Gretchen Beaman grandson, Jaydon Boyce Merv and Ruth Huckstep December 21 Joe and Susan Busenbark Keith and Staci Buteyn on the death of Keith’s December 5 Dan and Donna Copeland grandfather Scott and Jennifer Martin Gordon and Jane Wesner Rex and Carol Parker on the death of Rex’s December 6 December 23 Sister, Patricia Karp, on November 14 Wade and Dagmar Potter Rich and Joyce Gibbons Ben Conway and family on the death of his December 10 December 26 wife, Frances Conway Don and Lory Cruden Sunny and Chad Williams

December 11 December 28 The family of Dorothy Woodard, who died on Chuck and Robin Mann Edmar and Mabel Paraggua October 25 Phil and Amanda Rezin December 16 Doug Fisher and family on the death of his John and Mary Ann Foster December 30 wife, Betty. Maryann Leonard and Dayton and Susan Hunter Gary Kaufman Anita and Frederick Church

Alpine Christmas Cantata “The Greatest Gift of All” Sunday, December 17, at the 9:30 and 11:00 services, Alpine Sanctuary The gift that was given to us all was delivered to a stable in Bethlehem. This year, our cantata celebrates the music that has been created to honor the Holy Child from people far and near. Like the Wise Men, these songs and melodies have traveled from afar to be with us: songs from Germany, France, the Caribbean and Central Europe, all in the celebration of our shared gift. Come and celebrate with the Praise Kids, Joyful Noise Choir, Hands of Christ Puppet Minis- try, Praise Team, Wesley Ringers, and Sanctuary Choir. Bring a friend and share the gift with them.

Page 14 Thank You Notes

From the Funeral Luncheon Committee: The life of Frances Conway was celebrated on Saturday, November 11, at Alpine Center. With family and friends gathered, memories were shared and past events revisited. Thank you to all who helped in this celebration, an important and solemn time for the Conway family. Those who made phone calls, many who responded with salads and dessert bars. Others who volunteered to set up and serve. Special thanks to the men who help by setting the tables and perform other tasks.

From the family of Dorothy Woodard: To the dear people of Christ UMC: Thank you so much for your help and kindness at the death of our mom, Dorothy Woodard. She loved CUMC! Love to all. P.S. Pastor Scott is amazing!

From Jack Schroder: To our Alpine fall landscape clean up group: We would like to thank all who came out for our fall clean up on Saturday, November 11. Everyone worked hard and we got around the whole Alpine campus. Thanks again!

From Kathy Wight: To members and staff of CUMC: I am blessed by your prayers and kindness on the loss of my sister, Debbie, in October. Thank you!

From Paul and Molly Klazura Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s Thanksgiving Basket project. Whether you gave a monetary donation or volunteered your time with preparing the boxes for delivery, your generosity is greatly appreciated. With the help of Gray’s IGA, we were able to provide 123 families with 3 boxes of food, not only for Thanksgiving dinner, but with supplies for many meals to follow.

Updates from the Outreach Committee: Thank you!

Red Wagon Sunday contributions up—yearly donations to almost 3,000 pounds. A total of 629 pounds of food was donated to Red Wagon Sunday. This equates to $1,063.01. A total of 2,711 pounds of non- perishable food has been donated thus far in 2017. This equates to $4,581.59. Christ the Carpenter and the Rock River Valley Pantry, as well as the Outreach Team thank you for your sensitivity to the needs of those having a food crisis.

Crop Hunger Walk Through the efforts of walkers and sponsors, Christ UMC raised $4,600.00 for the Rockford Crop Hun- ger Walk. Twenty-five percent of this money will go to local food pantries, with the remainder going to those having a food crisis in other parts of the world. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated in funding this worthy cause. Page 15 Scenes from Thanksgiving Basket Set Up and Assembly

Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, on November 19 and 20, a large group of volunteers set up and assembled boxes of food to feed 123 families in our community. This annual tradition brings blessings to all who are involved with it. Christ United Methodist Church Non-Profit Org. U.S Postage 4509 Highcrest Road PAID Rockford, Il 61107 Permit #3336 ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

Address Service Requested

Next Flame Deadline: January 18, 2018

Check out our website: Articles may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed/brought to the church office by the deadline date. www.christumc.cc

Getting to Know You: Ruth Ann Kearney By Don Black

“I said that I’d never get married (again), unless I met a Several years later they adopt- widower with kids,” Ruth Ann Kearney said during an ed a daughter, Danielle. interview. And that she did. So, there were six children. His name was Norm Kearney, who was part owner of a “Four of my children became sporting goods store. Six years later he became a profes- teachers,” Ruth Ann said. The sor at Rock Valley College, where he stayed until retire- family now includes 15 grand- ment. children and five great- He also spent some years as an assistant pastor at grandchildren. Christ United Methodist Church. Her children are: Ruth Ann’s family became a blended one – four differ- Their oldest, Michael, is a retired teacher who lives in ent ways. Rockford, and has a son in New Mexico and a daughter Her first husband was a World War II veteran, who in DeKalb. Erin has given him two grandchildren; took her to Albuquerque, N.M., where she taught a year Lynn, also a teacher, is a trustee at Rock Valley Col- in the U.S. Navajo Indian Reservation School. He left lege. Her daughter Sarah is a vice principal of an ele- and never returned. They had a son, Mark. mentary school near Milwaukee. Sarah has given Lynn Her second husband was a CPA from Chicago, where two granddaughters; they lived. They had a daughter, Patty. Their marriage Jeff, a retired deli manager, lives in Rockford, with his also was short lived. wife, Jean. They have two daughters, Amanda and Then she met Norm with his three children: Michael, Emily. Emily is married and expecting a child. He and Lynn and Jeff. Jean attend our church; In 1962 Ruth Ann married Norm at Westminster Pres- Mark, a Wisconsin grad, also is a retired teacher, who byterian Church, which gave them a combined family of lives in Washington state. He lost his oldest son in five children, ranging from Patty at 3 to Michael at 14. (Continued on page 8) Christmas Events at Christ UMC

Advent Craft Night Wednesday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 pm Dinner at 5:30 in Alpine Fellowship Hall; Crafts following in Alpine Great Hall Begin your preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at our annual Advent Craft Night. Lots of free crafts, a color- ing station and fun! Bring your family, invite your friends, stop in for a short time or spend time creating small treas- ures. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm, with the Advent crafts immediately following in Great Hall. Please RSVP for the dinner to Joy Hayag at 815-399-5910 or [email protected].

Christmas Cookie Walk Saturday, December 9, 10:00 am—1:00 pm Alpine Center Dining Room Numbers will be given out starting at 9:30 All proceeds go to missions. Stop in on Dec. 9, listen to Christmas music, have a glass of punch, and buy a box of homemade Christmas cookies. Cost is $15 per box.

Our Master’s Christmas Cantata “Emmanuel, Celebrating Heaven’s Child” Sunday, December 10, at the 9:30 service in the Our Master’s Sanctuary Heaven’s Child: the miraculous reality of a conception by the Holy Spirit, a birth to the young Virgin, Mary, and a flesh and blood existence of God, our Emmanuel. We will sing glory to the newborn King! With 15 singers, a soloist, two narrators, accompanist and director, the Chancel Choir will lead the congregation in a worship celebration of Jesus, Heaven’s Child. Christmas Angel Project Gift Wrapping Monday, December 11, 4:30 pm and Tuesday, December 12, 9:00 am Alpine Center Fellowship Hall Our Christmas Angel Project will have collected gifts from our congregation for those seniors and children in our community who otherwise wouldn’t receive any Christmas gifts. Come and help us wrap. This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with fellow church members, share the holiday spirit, and make a positive impact on our community!

Senior Fellowship Christmas Party Friday, December 15, at noon, Alpine Center Dining Room Come and join this group for seniors for a wonderful homemade lunch and fellowship with your friends. After lunch, we’ll have a Christmas party with music by Risë’ Barker, Sherrill Muller, and Rev. Scott Himel. There will be a chance to sing some Christmas carols, too. You won’t want to miss this joyous event. Please call the church office at 815-399-5910 to make your reservation by December 11.

Blue Christmas Monday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m., Alpine Center Sanctuary This service will be for anyone who is depressed, lonely or grieving any kind of loss in life: divorce, loss of job, or any other type of loss, as well as the loss of a loved one. Rev. Deanna Mede will give the message. Plan to be here for this comforting service of remembrance and hope. Christmas Eve Services

Noon Candlelight Communion Service-Alpine Center This service is for those who don’t like driving at night or who have plans for later in the day on Christmas Eve. Tra- ditional carols will be sung and there will be special music by the Our Master’s Chancel Choir. Nursery for preschool age and under.

4:00 p.m. Family Service—Alpine Center This child-friendly family service will speak to all ages as we celebrate the birth of Jesus through word and song in a children’s Christmas pageant. All children are invited to participate as either sheep, angels or shepherds. Special music will be presented by the Joyful Noise and Praise Kids Children’s Choirs. Rehearsal for the Christmas pageant is Wednesday, Dec. 20, 5:00-6:00 pm. Nursery for preschool age and under.

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service-Alpine Center All are welcome to join us in the traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service. Traditional carols will be sung and there will be special music. Nursery for preschool age and under.

10:30 p.m. Alpine Center Special Music and Candlelight Communion Service All are welcome to join us in the traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service. The Alpine Sanctu- ary Choir and others will share their musical gifts as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Sunday Morning Worship on December 24 9:30 service at Alpine and at Our Master’s Centers No Sunday School

Sunday Morning Worship on December 31 Normal service times: Alpine Center: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 Our Master’s Center: 9:30

The church buildings and office will be closed December 25—January 1

The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, at 8:30 a.m. In an emergency, call the church number, 815-399-5910. You will be directed to an emergency contact. A staff member will be checking messages during the week. A pastor will be available in an emergency.

Special Note: The church office will be open on Friday, Dec 29, from 9:00 am—noon, to accept contributions to the church to be credited to 2017.